Due to the nature of their job, members of Cleveland
Metroparks Department of Park Operations spend their
days out in the field in Cleveland Metroparks 16 reservations.
Each Park Operations employee has discovered their own
special place in the park district. Each month one member
of Park Operations will share their favorite place with
you. Take the time to discover your own favorite place
in Cleveland Metroparks.
SHHH....It is still a little bit of a secret and I don't know if I want to let this out. I have found a place for peace in the middle of an afternoon or in the evening just after sunset. This wonderful sanctuary is Royalview Picnic Area in Mill Stream Run Reservation. This area can be used as a rental facility on weekends, a place to take a hike or just sit along the stonewall and gaze at the stars on a clear night.
Royalview Picnic Area is one of three reservable areas in Mill Stream Run. It is located just south of Royalton Rd (Rt 82) on Valley Parkway. This facility has a shelter with electricity, a baseball field and flush toilets. Groups reserve this site to host family reunions, summer company picnics and even wedding receptions. Folks of all ages enjoy the horseshoe pits, swings and meals prepared on the charcoal grills.
Although the road leading to the shelter is uphill and winding and could be considered a hike in itself, this is just the beginning of hiking adventures at Royalview. There are actually three trails within this one area. The Big Tree Loop Trail begins at the top of the hill near the parking lot. This trail is just over a half mile and encircles an old white oak. This is a nice walk when you are looking to relax and reflect while breaking away from a busy lifestyle. For those a little more aggressive or seeking challenges, at the entrance to Royalview are two trailheads that lead to more strenuous courses. The Sugar Bush Loop Trail and the Royalview Loop Trail are just over 2.5 miles and a bit more rolling. These trails will lead you through the forests and meadowlands.
It is well worth the trip up Royalview Lane to see the scenic view of the surrounding area. I have brought people who have lived in Cuyahoga County for 30 plus years to see all they can see from the viewing area at Royalview Picnic Area. I have sat alone watching the deer, squirrels or other wildlife frolic in the field just outside the shelter house. I have also found myself admiring a mother sharing a picnic lunch with her children on a breezy summer afternoon. But the best sight of all can be at nightfall. The entire sky can be illuminated with stars and the moon.
I am fortunate to have discovered a place where I can go to entertain family friends, exercise and enjoy the sights. I am grateful to the folks within Park Operations who maintain this facility. I am welcoming you to come explore this jewel in the Emerald Necklace.
Kim Miller
Budget Records and Data Input Technician
Like most of the park employees, it is hard to pick out just one place in Cleveland Metroparks that I can call my favorite. I find myself torn between all of the reservations here, but, being an avid outdoorsman and loving to fish, hike and camp, I can say that there are many trails here in North Chagrin Reservation and with each one you will find scenic views of beauty and all types of wildlife.
I enjoy taking a hike down a dirt path and stopping to enjoy all the natural resources. I enjoy looking down to see wildflowers popping up in the spring, seeing a squirrel hurrying up a large oak tree or a chipmunk looking for food in the leaves.
I get to walk through a 200 year old pine forest where I can watch a doe and her fawns bedded down in the warm pine needles. I can walk a little further to pass through a 400 year old beech maple forest, passing creeks, streams and rivers along the way. I just have to stop and listen to hear the waters flowing along the banks.
Further along down the trail, I stop and look out over one of our many ravines to see the fall colors and spot a red tail hawk in flight. Many of these ravines are a wonder to see and some are very steep; and one even overlooks a wetland marsh.
I can walk out past one of the marshes any time of the year and see nature at work - beaver hard at work, the turtles popping their heads out of the water or the frogs singing at night. The best part of this hike, I think, is that I work here.
I would like to thank all of my fellow employees and friends for making the North Chagrin Reservation my favorite place.
Bill Davis
Park Manager
North Chagrin Reservation
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